Hertfordshire’s libraries have launched this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, inviting children to pick up six books over the school holidays and earn rewards along the way. The free scheme, run by Hertfordshire County Council, runs from 4 July to 5 September and is open to all young readers across the county.
This year’s theme, ‘Read to the Beat’, delivered in partnership with The Reading Agency, explores the creative link between reading and music. Participants can read any six library books—including eBooks and eAudiobooks on the BorrowBox app—to complete the challenge. Finishers earn a personalised certificate, a medal while stocks last, and entry into a prize draw for a ticket to a book-themed musical workshop with author and composer Gareth P. Jones. Last year over 18,500 Hertfordshire children took part, and Cllr Chris Lucas, Executive Member for Resources and Performance, called the challenge a highlight. “As we celebrate the National Year of Reading, this year’s Challenge offers an opportunity to highlight the vital role reading plays in creativity, wellbeing and lifelong learning,” he said.
The Summer Reading Challenge is the country’s largest campaign to encourage primary-aged children to read for pleasure. Presented by The Reading Agency and funded by Arts Council England, it draws over 700,000 participants nationally each year. In Hertfordshire, the programme has run annually for many years, with similar formats: children are encouraged to read six books and receive stickers as they progress. The challenge also aims to tackle the summer reading dip, a well-documented decline in literacy that can occur during the long break from school.
Bishop’s Stortford Library marked the launch with live performances by young musicians from Bishop’s Stortford Music Centre on 4 July. Wind and string groups and the orchestra played between 10am and midday, and the library also offered a ‘Page One Read to the Beat Special’ activity session for 7- to 11-year-olds at £4.40 per child on 1 July.
Children can sign up at any Hertfordshire library throughout the challenge, and volunteers aged 14 and over are welcome to support the programme with full training provided.
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